Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Since first premiering on Broadway in 2014, Beautiful The Carole King Musical has gone on to open in London, Tokyo & Sydney winning multiple awards along the way. Manchester audiences are lucky enough to have the show at the city’s Palace Theatre for the next four weeks offering festive theatregoers an wonderful alternative to traditional Pantos available at this time of year.

Telling the inspiring true story of Carole King’s incredible rise to fame from selling her first song as a teenager to her 70’s solo success headlining Carnegie Hall, Beautiful is an incredibly powerful, and enormously entertaining piece of theatre.

The musical dedicates the perfect amount of time to King’s (Bronté Barbé) early career and skilfully explores the effect her relationship with writing partner & husband Gerry Goffin (Kane Oliver Parry) had upon their songwriting, this also extends to the influence of the couples competitive friendship with fellow songwriters Barry Mann (Matthew Gonsalves) and Cynthia Weil (Amy Ellen Richardson), both songwriting teams undeniably behind some of the sounds which without doubt helped shape popular music.

The back catalogue available to compliment Douglas McGrath’s book is almost embarrassingly brilliant having written for the likes of The Drifters, The Shirelles and Aretha Frankin the show features classic after classic including Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, Up on the Roof, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling and You’ve Got a Friend to name but a few.

Bronté Barbé as King is outstanding, sweet and soulful, she plays King with enormous heart and sensitivity, hugely likeable with a quiet inner strength that grows as her relationship with Goffin stumbles. Barb beautifully portrays a woman who knows her self worth and remains true to herself despite life’s challenges.

Kane Oliver Parry compliments Barbe perfectly, the chemistry between the two is fantastic as real life struggles take hold both deliver some exceptional acting. Special mention must also go to both Amy Ellen Richardson & Matthew Gonsalves, their partnership as Cynthia and Barry is a delight to watch.

Beautiful further impresses with one of the best ensemble casts I’ve ever seen, slick, sharp and insanely talented each scene is a joyful celebration of incredible music. From the very first ensemble scene the sheer energy and talent on display gives a clear message that this show is something special.

Beautiful raises the bar for jukebox musicals and then some, in addition to the spine tingling performances is an enormously witty script which has the audience laughing out loud throughout. The care and attention given to this biography will no doubt ensure standing ovations night after night. Ultimately this is a story of hope and self belief whilst giving audiences a wonderful reminder of the incredibly emotional impact music can have, a truly joyful, must-see show.

On at the Palace theatre until Saturday 6th January, tickets available here.